Lacrosse handle

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse handle having two sidewalls each with a channel and two arched walls extending between the sidewalls is disclosed herein. The channels contribute to increased gripping ability by the user and overall increased strength of the handle. Each channel is capable of receiving an insert that includes individualized information, for example, a school name or colors. Further, one of the arched walls may have a textured surface and the other arched wall may have a smooth surface to provide the user with a more accurate handle to head orientation than conventional lacrosse handles.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a Continuation of and claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/160,147, filed on Jun. 10, 2005, andentitled “Lacrosse Handle,” which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/578,488, filed Jun. 10, 2004, and entitled“Flower Shaped Handle.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the handle portion of alacrosse stick for use by participants in the sport or game of lacrosse.The present invention, more particularly, relates to a lacrosse handlethat has increased impact strength, allows for increased shootingaccuracy and allows for a better grip than conventional lacrossehandles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Original lacrosse handles were constructed of wood. These wooden handleswere shaped such that the lacrosse handle and lacrosse head were asingle one-piece wood structure. These one-piece wooden lacrosse handlessuffered from a variety of disadvantages. Initially, they weresusceptible to damage from excess exposure to water. Further, theseprior wooden handles were heavy and somewhat cumbersome. Additionally,the wooden handles were also susceptible to breakage. Moreover, becausethe wood had to be bent to form the single sidewall and the scoop, asignificant amount of time was involved in forming or making each ofthese wooden lacrosse sticks. Accordingly, if any portion of the head orthe handle broke or was damaged, the entire wooden stick needed to bereplaced, which was a costly endeavor.

Subsequently, plastic lacrosse heads were developed. Thus, the lacrosseheads and the lacrosse handles were separate components that could bemanufactured individually. Moreover, if either the lacrosse handle orthe lacrosse head was damaged or broken, each of these components couldbe individually replaced.

Thereafter, metal lacrosse handles were developed for engagement withthe plastic lacrosse heads. The initial metal handles were relativelyheavy, which provided disadvantages from both a playability standpointas well as from a safety standpoint. These lacrosse handles wereconstructed of a durable metal, such as aluminum. While these aluminumhandles were acceptable from a strength standpoint and are stillcommonly used today, they are susceptible to damage from externalforces. It is known that lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-contact sportand that the lacrosse handles can be subjected to large forces duringplay, such as when contacted by another stick. Lacrosse handles are mostcommonly subjected to external forces when a player is checked by anopponent's stick in an attempt to dislodge the lacrosse ball from thehead. Further, if the external force is great enough, the stick can evenbreak. Players, therefore, desire stronger and more durable handles withincreased impact strength.

Therefore, a need exists for a lacrosse handle that has increasedstrength and durability and provides increased resistance to damage fromexternal forces. It would also be desirable to provide a handle or stickwith these characteristics that does not significantly add to the weightof the stick.

Accordingly, titanium handles were introduced that provided increasedstrength and resistance to damage from external forces. However, boththe titanium and aluminum handles are still susceptible to damage. Thedamage can be in the form of dents or dings which will typically causethe stick to look worn or used. This is an undesirable feature for manyplayers and can require a player to prematurely replace the handle orrender a handle unplayable. Additionally, players seek a lacrosse stickthat has an obvious head to handle orientation so that they can veryquickly determine the proper grip on their handle. Finally, accuracy isanother key element during the play of a lacrosse game. Therefore,players seek a very precise handle having a particular flexcharacteristic that increases accuracy when shooting the ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide alacrosse handle that is stronger and more durable than existing lacrossehandles.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a lacrossehandle that has increased impact strength as compared to prior lacrossehandles.

It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide alacrosse handle that gives a player feedback as to the orientation of alacrosse head attached to the lacrosse handle based solely on how theplayer grips the handle.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide alacrosse handle that provides increased accuracy when shooting orpassing a lacrosse ball.

It is a related advantage of the present invention to provide a lacrossehandle with flex characteristics that allow for increased shootingaccuracy.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a lacrossehandle with a unique cross-section that allows for better grip, whichalso results in more accurate control of the ball.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide ahandle with a unique cross-section that provides tactile feedback as tothe orientation of an attached lacrosse head during play.

In accordance with the above and the other advantages of the presentinvention, the present invention discloses an elongated handle forattachment to a lacrosse head. The handle includes a first side having afirst channel, a second side having a second channel, a first end walland a second end wall. The first side also includes a first edge and asecond edge. Similarly, the second side includes a first edge and asecond edge. The first end wall extends between the first edge of thefirst side and the first edge of the second side. The second end wallextends between the second edge of the first side and the second edge ofthe second side. The resultant handle has improved strength andresistance to impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of example with referenceto the following drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a lacrosse handle with an attachedlacrosse head in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a lacrosse handle in accordancewith the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse handle of FIG.2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the lacrosse stick of the present invention isgenerally referred to as reference number 10 and includes an elongatedhandle 12 that attaches to a lacrosse head 40. In one embodiment, thehandle 12 is generally hollow and is constructed of a metallic material,such as aluminum or titanium. It will be understood that the handle 12can take on a variety of other configurations, i.e. solid or partiallysolid. Further, the handle 12 can be formed of a variety of othersuitable materials, such as graphite, other composite materials, orplastic. The handle 12 has a first side or sidewall 14 and a second sideor sidewall 16.

Each of the sidewalls 14, 16 includes a respective channel 18, 20.Further, each sidewall 14, 16 has a first edge 22, 24 located at anupper edge of the respective channel 18, 20, and a second edge 26, 28located at a lower edge of the respective channel 18, 20. A first endwall 30 extends between and connects the first edge 22 of the firstsidewall 14 and the first edge 24 of the second sidewall 16. Similarly,there is a second end wall 32 that extends between the second edge 26 ofthe first sidewall 14 and the second edge 28 of the second sidewall 16.The end wall walls 30, 32 are preferably oriented such that they arearched and bow out or curve away from each other and the sidewalls towhich they connect. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art that the walls 30, 32 can take on a variety of differentconfigurations as desired.

Each of the channels 18, 20 preferably is set back with respect to therespective sidewall 14, 16 in which it is formed. The channels 18, 20preferably extend along the length of the handle. However, the channels18, 20 may extend along less than all of the entire length as desired.Each channel 18, 20 includes a bottom channel wall 42, 44. The bottomchannel wall 42 extends between and connects the first edge 22 and thesecond edge 26 of the first sidewall 14. The bottom channel wall 44extends between and connects the first edge 24 and the second edge 28 ofthe second sidewall 16. The bottom channel walls 42, 44 are preferablycurved, but may alternatively take on a variety of differentconfigurations. Because the bottom channel walls 42, 44 are disposedinwardly or set back with respect to the sidewalls 14, 16 they provideincrease strength and impact resistance to the handle 12, particularlyfrom contact to either end wall 30, 32 of the handle 12. Further, thischannel configuration allows the handle to flex due to their set backconfiguration which provides a handle with more whip.

Each of the end walls 30, 32 has an exterior surface. In one embodiment,the exterior surface of the end wall 30 is textured, as generallyrepresented by reference number 33 while the exterior surface of the endwall 32 has a smooth surface as generally represented by referencenumeral 37. The end wall 30, as shown in FIG. 1, is illustrated as theupper wall, while the end wall 32 is illustrated as the lower wall.However, it will be understood that this is for purposes of illustrationonly and that the end walls 30, 32 may be oriented such that either maybe disposed as the top surface or the bottom surface of the handle 12.

Further, the textured surface extends between a portion of the firstsidewall 14 and a portion of the second sidewall 16. Specifically,referring to the first sidewall 14, the area 39 between the firstsidewall 14 and first edge 22 to the first channel 18 is also preferablytextured. Similarly, the area 49 on the second sidewall 16 between thefirst edge 24 and the second channel 20 is also textured. It will alsobe understood that the texture may extend along the end wall 30 alongthe entire length of the handle. Alternatively, the texture may insteadbe disposed over only a substantial part of the end wall 30. Further,the texture may be located on the end wall 30 at only select locationsalong the length of the handle 12, such as in locations where a player'shands typically contact a lacrosse handle during play. One of ordinaryskill in the art will understand these locations. Similarly, the texturemay extend over the entire length or only a portion of the firstsidewall 14 and/or the second sidewall 16.

The smooth surface also extends between and connects a portion of thefirst sidewall 14 and a portion of the second sidewall 16. The area 59between the second edge 26 of the first sidewall 14 and the firstchannel 18 is preferably smooth and the area 69 between the second edge28 and the second sidewall 16 to the second channel 20 is smooth. Inother words, half of the first sidewall 14 is smooth and half of thefirst sidewall 14 is textured. Similarly, half of the second sidewall 16is smooth and half of the second sidewall 16 is textured. It will beunderstood that instead of a texture, a surface structure can be locatedon one side of the handle. Other textured surface to smooth surfaceconfigurations may be utilized.

Since half of the handle 12 is textured and the other half is smooth,the user or player has a much better handle to head orientation duringplay. Moreover, a texture on one side or half of the handle provides aplayer with a better grip on the stick for improved ball handling aswell and improved shooting and passing accuracy. In other words,depending upon where or how the texture contacts the player's hands, itprovides the player with tactile feedback as to the orientation of theattached head. One method of adding texture to the textured area isthrough sand blasting. However, a variety of other methods for formingthe textured surface may be utilized.

The player can decide how to position the textured surface relative tothe lacrosse head. For instance, in FIG. 1, the smooth surface 37 isshown positioned adjacent to the front face of the lacrosse head 40. Itshould be understood that the textured surface 33 could be positionedadjacent to the front face of the lacrosse head 40.

Both channels 18, 20 along each of the sidewalls 14, 16 serve multiplepurposes. One purpose is to provide an additional gripping surface onthe handle 12. Another purpose is to receive an insert 34, 36. Theinserts 34, 36 might be long, thin strips of plastic. Further, theinserts 34, 36 may extend the whole length of the channel. However, itwill be understood that the inserts 34, 36 may instead extend along onlya portion of the channels 18, 20. In one embodiment, the inserts 34, 36can have writing or include color and are for purposes of aesthetics.Some examples include, but are not limited to, the name of the handlemanufacturer, the name of the player's team, or a team's colors. Theinserts are preferably releaseably engageable with each channel 18, 20.Still another purpose is to provide a handle with increased flex.

Referring to FIG. 2, first insert 34 is shown located within the firstchannel 18 and the second insert 36 is shown located within the secondchannel 20. Although a total of two inserts are shown with, one in eachchannel, it is to be understood that there could be only one insert usedin one of the channels while the other channel is left empty. Further,multiple inserts can be disposed in each channel at a given time.

The handle 12 has a first distal end 54 and a second distal end 56. Thelacrosse head 40 is attached to the handle 12 at its first distal end 54and an end cap 52 is attached to the handle 12 at the second distal end56.

While the present invention has been described in what is presentlyconsidered to be its most practical and preferred embodiment orimplementation, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, the presentinvention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalentarrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as ispermitted under the law.

1. An elongate handle for attachment to a lacrosse head comprising: afirst sidewall having a first edge, a second edge, a first area, asecond area, and a first channel, said first area between said firstedge and said first channel and said second area located between saidsecond edge and said first channel; a second sidewall having a firstedge, a second edge, a first area, a second area, and a second channel,said first area between said first edge and said second channel and saidsecond area located between said second edge and said second channel; afirst end wall extending between said first edge of said first sidewalland said first edge of said second sidewall; and a second end wallextending between said second edge of said first sidewall and saidsecond edge of said second sidewall.
 2. The elongate handle of claim 1,wherein said first and second end walls each has an exterior surface. 3.The elongate handle of claim 2, wherein said first end wall and saidsecond end wall bow out away from each other.
 4. The elongate handle ofclaim 3, wherein only one of either said first end wall exterior surfaceor said second end wall exterior surface has a textured surface and theother of said first end wall exterior surface or said second end wallexterior surface has a smooth surface.
 5. The elongate handle of claim1, wherein said handle is metallic.
 6. The elongate handle of claim 1,further comprising a first distal end, a second distal end, and alacrosse head attached to said first distal end.
 7. The elongate handleof claim 4, wherein an exterior surface of said first sidewall istextured between said first sidewall first edge and said first channel.8. A hollow elongate handle for attachment to a lacrosse headcomprising: a first sidewall having a first edge, a second edge, a firstarea, a second area, and a first channel, said first area between saidfirst edge and said first channel and said second area located betweensaid second edge and said first channel; a second sidewall having afirst edge, a second edge, a first area, a second area, and a secondchannel, said first area between said first edge and said second channeland said second area located between said second edge and said secondchannel; a first end wall extending between said first edge of saidfirst sidewall and said first edge of said second sidewall, said firstend wall having an exterior surface; a second end wall extending betweensaid second edge of said first sidewall and said second edge of saidsecond sidewall, said second end wall having an exterior surface; andwherein only one of either said first end wall exterior surface or saidsecond end wall exterior surface has a textured surface and the other ofsaid first end wall exterior surface or said second end wall exteriorsurface has a smooth surface.
 9. The elongate handle of claim 8, whereinsaid handle is metallic.
 10. The elongate handle of claim 9, whereinsaid handle is made from aluminum.
 11. An elongated hollow handle forattachment to a lacrosse head, comprising: a first sidewall; a secondsidewall; a first end wall extending between said first sidewall andsaid second sidewall; a second end wall extending between said firstsidewall and said second sidewall and approaching said first end wall;wherein one of said first end wall and said second end wall has atexture applied to an exterior surface thereof while the other of saidfirst end wall and said second end wall is devoid of said texture.